No bike truly integrates comfort and style of a scooter with the dynamic performance of a motorcycle as Honda’s Integra. Equipped as standard with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), its torque, fuel-efficient twin-cylinder engine has been increased in capacity to 745cc. Sharper styling; improved ergonomics and handling complemented the extra power and performance. This next stage in its development sees the 2016 Integra receive upgrades that boost its looks, practicality and riding experience, further polishing one of the most individual two-wheeled machines in the Honda range.
The most visible update for 2016 are the Integra’s new LED headlight and taillight, which add a further touch of both class and practicality. New instruments – with variable color display – can be personalized and present a premium image. Adding to the high class feel is the option of two Special Edition (SE) color schemes in a new grade of paint with a unique metallic luster.
Brand new instruments use a negative LCD display. Information includes odometer, trip meter, gear position, fuel efficiency and consumption gauges, (optional) heated grip temperature plus 3-stage S mode display.
The color of the rev-counter bar display can also be changed by the rider; a total of 9 options are available. It is also possible to have colors change according to gear selected, rpm range or (for the DCT version) riding mode.
ECO and SHIFT mode are further options when riding with the display set to a single color or (on the DCT machine) the mode-dependent setting. ECO mode turns the display to light blue if riding with good fuel efficiency, and green if riding even more economically. SHIFT mode sees the color change to orange if engine rpm exceeds a level pre-set by the rider.
A new wave key features the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS). If the ID chip embedded in the key and the ID in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) do not match, the engine will not start. The 2016 Integra is available in five color options including pearl glare white, matte bullet silver, matte gunpowder metallic, matt alpha silver metallic (special edition) and matte majestic silver metallic (special edition)
For the two SE paint options Honda has used its new metal-look finish for the first time. This special paint uses brilliant flakes aligned in parallel with each other and differs to standard metallic paint in creating a solid texture with high contrast, offering varying impressions depending on the viewing angle. The SE also has extra accent stripes, wheel rim stripes and a different engine cover finish. Genuine Honda Accessories include a specifically-designed new rear rack, a 35L and 45L top box, 29L panniers, inner bags, 5-stage heated grips, U-lock and wind deflectors.
Honda’s DCT technology is now in its sixth year of production and gaining popularity year on year on all of the machines that feature it as an option. DCT uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th gears: the other for 2nd, 4th and 6th, with the main shaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging. Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit.
The DCT system features two automatic plus the MT mode for manual gear changes. The standard automatic D mode is for general or highway riding and maximum fuel economy. S mode which shifts up and down at higher rpm than D mode for a sportier ride has now been expanded to give three levels of sports performance. Some riders prefer to ride higher gears some lower and the three modes make it possible to tailor gearbox response to riding style. The selected level is stored, and acts as the default S Mode for subsequent rides. It is also displayed on the dash.
The design of the Integra’s liquid-cooled, SOHC 8-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine ensures punchy performance in the low-to-mid range. Its relatively long-stroke architecture and specially shaped combustion chambers combine with the high-inertial mass crankshaft to produce large amounts of effortless torque from very low rpm. Peak power is 40.3kW @ 6,250rpm with maximum torque of 68Nm @ 4,750rpm.
